THREE brothers accused of abusing a girl more than 30 years ago could face a re-trial after a jury was deadlocked in their case.
The panel of seven men and five women could not decide on claims by the accuser that she was systematically attacked in the 1970s.
Keith, 56, John, 58, and Alan, 53, Whittingham, will find out next week whether prosecutors plan to take the case to court again.
The jury at Teesside Crown Court spent ten hours over two days deliberating on the charges faced by the Hartlepool brothers.
The alleged victim - a schoolgirl at the time - told the court that she was raped by two of them and sexually assaulted by them all.
Keith Whittingham, of Garside Drive, denied four charges of rape and indecent assault and one of indecency with a child.
John Whittingham, of Clarkson Court, pleaded not guilty to three counts of indecent assault; and Alan Whittingham, of Carlton Street, denied four charges of rape.
Ater their arrests, all three men strenuously denied the allegations and said the claims had been fabricated.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article